The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari, has said that harnessing natural gas resources in Nigeria is crucial in fuelling economic growth and industrial development.

Kyari spoke on Wednesday at the public presentation of a book, ‘The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas’, authored by Charles Osezua.

The GCEO highlighted gas as a crucial energy source that sustains economic growth and drives industrial activities.

Represented by the company’s Head of Relationship and Stakeholder Management, Mrs Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, Kyari also emphasised the importance of documenting Nigeria’s gas sector.

He underscored the significance of prioritising natural gas production and supply, particularly in the context of geopolitical dynamics and energy security in the global economy.

“With Nigeria boasting substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet and a potential to reach 600 tcf, the GCEO said it is pertinent Nigeria leverages the gas resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation,” a statement by the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, said on Wednesday.

According to Kyari, the book aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, which he said aimed to optimise Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves for domestic consumption and international export.

The NNPCL boss added that the energy firm has been leading in advancing the ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda as a key stakeholder through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure such as pipelines and processing facilities.